Role of cholecystokinin in mediating GRP-stimulated gastric, biliary and pancreatic functions in man

Abstract To explore the mechanisms of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)-induced gut functions in man, we investigated the effect on gallbladder contraction, exocrine pancreatic secretion and gastric acid secretion of a recently developed CCK receptor antagonist, loxiglumide, on GRP-stimulated effects in six healthy human subjects. Intravenous infusion of graded doses of synthetic human GRP (1–27 pmol/kg per h) caused significant and dose-dependent increases in pancreatic enzyme and gastric acid secretions and in gallbladder contraction. Intravenous administration of loxiglumide (10 mg/kg per h) abolished GRP-stimulated gallbladder contraction, augmented gastric acid secretion, but did not affect exocrine pancreatic secretion. The results suggest that endogenously released CCK is (1) responsible for GRP-stimulated gallbladder contraction, and (2) involved in regulating gastric acid secretion. The results further suggest that GRP-stimulated pancreatic secretion is not mediated by CCK, but has a direct response of GRP on the exocrine pancreas.